Critical Mass London

Who are we and what are our aims?

We are not sure, opinions seem to differ. There are probably as many aims of CM as there are participants. Each individual comes there with his or her own idea of what it's about, and the sum of this makes up the Mass. We have no organisers and no planned routes.

Critical Mass achieved its international name following the first ever ride in San Francisco back in 1992, where it was christened 'Commute Clot'. It was then "noted that, in China both motorists and bicyclists had an understood method of negotiating intersections without signals. Traffic would "bunch up" at these intersections until the back log reached a "critical mass" at which point that mass would move through the intersection". Film 'Return of the Scorcher' also features the scene which led to the adoption of the name "Critical Mass" for the rides which now occur around the world.

The London monthly rides started in April 1994. 1995-96 reports. Videos from the 90s. It isn't just for cyclists, sometimes there are wheelchairers, skateboarders, roller bladers, roller skaters and other self-propelled people. Cycle sound systems often play music on the ride. To find out more about Critical Mass checkout the links on the left.

News

Boston CM rider says police officer Pina pushed him

"...Kurland said he was traveling slowly in the bicycle lane, about 30 feet from the intersection, when Pina approached, grabbed the front of his bike, and pushed him to the ground, leaving Kurland with minor road rash.

Police issued Kurland a $20 ticket for operating to endanger..." More.

Stockton CA police cause trouble for CM

“The scene was ridiculous. Several cop cars pulled in on the one person whom prepared for a scolding. Bystanders recorded as he got a ticket whereas others whom had their hands behind their heads were violently thrown to the ground, knees in their backs, were arrested. This just shows their boredom and abuse of power.” More with videos.

London CM August 2010

A surpsingly large turnout considering it coincided with the start of a Bank Holiday. Roadworks in Central London contributed to a lot of congestion even though traffic numbers seemed smaller than usual. Hire bikes again provided a contribution to the ride. Reports | 1 | 2 |. Video.

London CM July 2010

"It seemed bizarre, that as the BMW pushed into the wheel of the bicycle, police took the side of the motorist. I'm sure if it had been a police bicycle, a completely different scenario would have occurred. Some of the police seem to have taken an anti-cyclist stance". Reports | 1 | 2 | 3 |.

Videos

Aftermass: A Post-Critical Mass Portland Documentary Trailer from Cantankerous Titles on Vimeo.